Nearly 50,000 women are expected to convene in Chicago this summer for the city’s very own, “The Black Women’s Expo,” formerly “An Expo for Today’s Black Woman.”  Now in its 15th year, the national destination event returns to the city beginning August 1st through August 3rd at McCormick Place!  A host of exciting events are planned, making the 2008 Expo one of the hottest tickets in town.

“There is something for all Black women at this summer’s Expo. In years past, women from all around the country have come to Chicago to participate. We fully expect to engage and excite each and every woman that makes the trip,” said Merry Green, producer of The Black Women’s Expo.

The kickoff event on Thursday (July 31st) preceding the Expo will be the Phenomenal Women Awards Gala and Dinner.  Ten women who have excelled in their careers and communities will be honored.  Past honorees included Maya Angelou, Ph.D, renowned author, educator, poet; Suzanne de Passe, CEO of de Passe Entertainment; and Oprah Winfrey.

Throughout the three days, speakers, authors and special guests will motivate Black women with messages that address the challenges they face as career women, caregivers and community leaders.

The “Keepin’ Our Kids Safe Summit” is a back-to-school event featuring discussions for mothers and their children on conflict resolution. The “Leadership Summit”, designed for women who are or aspire to be leaders in their professional industries offers workshops on career strategies, balancing home and work and financial success.

For women in search of a respite, the Literary Cafe will be the perfect place to relax and purchase today’s most popular titles. Health screenings are also on tap, as well as a marketplace of on-site vendors.  A host of pavilions are planned including The Macy’s Black is Beautiful Pavilion.  In addition to all of these offerings, the Steppin’ Across America competition will bring the nation’s top dancers to Chicago to showcase their talent.

The Black Women’s Expo 2008: It’s the ONE event for ALL Black women, and it’s back. This year’s sponsors are State Farm, American Airlines, The Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA) of Chicago, Macy’s, ABC-7 Chicago and Anheuser-Busch. Visit http://www.theblackwomensexpo.com for more details. SOURCE:  The Black Women’s Expo